Spring Street Beat

Spring Street Beat 2015 performers

Gossling

Main Stage

Victorian singer Gossling will be the feature artist for the Spring Street Beat music event at Parliament House in Melbourne. Helen Croome, better known by her stage-name Gossling, is a folk/pop singer-songwriter from Melbourne. Her debut album Harvest of Gold was released in late 2013 and was nominated for an ARIA award. Her songs have also been used in several popular television shows.

Gossling will perform on the Main Stage from 4.00pm to 5.00pm

Kutcha Edwards

Main Stage

Kutcha Edwards is one of Australia’s most respected and inspiring Aboriginal singer/songwriters. Kutcha’s music, theatre and community work has made him a legend in the Indigenous community, throughout Australia and internationally. He has sung at major events, spoken to politicians and dignitaries, worked in prisons, sat with kindergarten children and won some awards long the way. Kutcha is a Mutti Mutti man, born in Balranald, NSW and is among the many of the Stolen Generations. Kutcha’s music and stories are the songs of his journey, his people's journey, and these are his gifts to connect with and inspire others.

Kutcha Edwards will perform an Acknowledgement of Country and a couple of songs on the Main Stage from 9.30am to 10.00am

Rhys Crimmin

Garden Stage

From the moment Rhys Crimmin starts playing, audiences are drawn to the warm sound he creates. Armed with an ever growing array of Guitars, Didgeridoos, Harmonicas, Kazoos, Foot Percussion, and anything else he can get his hands on, Rhys Crimmin and his travelling one man band multi-instrumentalist show has been amazing crowds around Australia every night, with his unique style that he likes to call ‘Aussie Roots Folk Reggae & Dirty Foot Stompin’ Blues’. You will witness clapping, dancing, spontaneous jams and the even odd sing along, with the crowd watching his every swift movement to see what he will try next!

Rhys Crimmin will perform on the Garden Stage from 3.30pm to 4.00pm

Isaiah Firebrace

Main Stage

Isaiah Firebrace is a 16 year old soul singer from Moama on the Murray River. One of 11 children from a large Indigenous family Isaiah has been singing for as long as he can remember. Spotted at the Fast Track Talent Showcases in Melbourne, Isaiah was given a scholarship by renowned vocal coach David Jaanz and signed by YOYO Music Management. A recent appearance on The X Factor Australia and subsequent local appearances have seen his following increase dramatically. Isaiah Firebrace is a voice to be remembered packaged in a gorgeous young man with a heart of gold!

Isaiah Firebrace will perform on the Main Stage from 3.00pm to 3.20pm

Jimmy and Paige

Garden Stage

After forming in 2010, the young Macedon Ranges duo Jimmy and Paige have been busy making a name for themselves performing across Victoria appearing at a range of music festivals including the Clarkefield Music Festival and Kyneton Music Festival and supporting the likes of Shannon Noll, Samantha Jade, Stonefield and Marlisa. Jimmy’s background in percussive fingerstyle guitar and live looping combined with Paige’s musical theatre training results in their original music taking on a unique sound that draws on a range of styles. The duo are renowned for their captivating live performances blending a mix of original music with diverse arrangements of covers.

Jimmy and Paige will perform on the Garden Stage from 2.45pm to 3.15pm

Annie Wall

Main Stage

Annie grew up in Country Victoria listening to the great story tellers of Country Music, inspiring her to start writing songs. In 2014 Annie started work on her debut album with Bradshaw Music Productions, and recently released her first single "Better When You're Around" from her forthcoming LP, due out early 2016.

Annie has worked with various blue grass, country and folk bands and is looking forward to showing her talents at Spring Street Beat 2015.

Annie Wall will perform on the Main Stage from 2.15pm to 2.45pm

Chooka Parker

Garden Stage

Chooka Parker began playing piano just before turning 15 years of age, teaching himself to play then writing and recording his own music. Prior to this, he had learned clarinet for 18 months, but decided he wanted to focus on piano. By the time he was 16, he had written a Clarinet Quintet and had also appeared on Australia's Got Talent (2011), finishing as a finalist.

He plays different genres and has the amazing ability to play many within the same piece, even playing a different genre with each hand. His music bares his soul. Now writing for film, Chooka continues to produce beautiful, rich music.

Chooka Parker will perform on the Garden Stage from 2.00pm to 2.30pm

Contex

Main Stage

Contex is a 5 piece electro-jazz fusion group. With 3 vocalists, each doubling on 2 synths and saxophone, accompanied by bass and drums. we seek to combine all influences of popular (and some more obscure genres) music together. There are original concepts that we improvise around in a modern-jazz/groove tradition, however we constantly layer popular melodies and hooks over the top in a DJ style, to create a blend of traditional acoustic music and electronic based jazz fusion. Debuting at the Thornbury Theatre at the end of 2014, this year has seen Contex perform regularly around Melbourne yet always delivering a new experience each time.

Contex will perform on the Main Stage from 1.30m to 2.00pm

Tumi and Gaby

Garden Stage

Tumi and Gaby are an up and coming Melbourne-based hiphop duo who began working together in late 2013. This dynamic pair consists of local poet and musician Gabriela Georges and Motswana poet and rapper Tumi the Be. They have supported the likes of SK Simeon and Ghostface Killah, played at the Sydney Fringe and Melbourne Fringe Festival, and performed at venues such as the Laundry Bar, The Reverance Hotel and the Footscray Community Arts Centre. Tumi and Gaby are known for their conscious lyrics, engaging stage presence, and unique chemistry that always keeps the audience guessing.

Tumi and Gaby will perform on the Garden Stage from 1.15pm to 1.45pm

Alice Ivy

Main Stage

In less than one year, Melbourne's Alice Ivy (real name Annika Schmarsel) has kept extremely busy; touring the UK and Europe, supporting great local artists such as Remi, Banoffee, and Stella Angelico, as well as launching her own successful singles, "Charlie", and "Mean Man's Bite".

Alice’s live set not only incorporates electronic & sample based elements, but showcases her musicianship with live instrumentation such as guitar, percussion, & vocals. This creates a distinct electronic/soul sound - influenced by the likes of artists such as J Dilla, The Avalanches, Klo and Little Dragon.

Alice Ivy will perform on the Main Stage from 12.45pm to 1.15pm

Malcura

Garden Stage

Malcura are a Flamenco Rock trio from Melbourne, Australia. Their music combines the upbeat liveliness of artists such as Rodrigo y Gabriela and Gipsy Kings with the progressive sounds of bands such as Yes and Opeth.

Malcura have been busking extensively on the streets of Melbourne, namely Bourke St Mall, where they perform alongside acts such as Pierce Brothers, Woodlock and Tash Sultana on a regular basis. An appearance on stage at The Palais Theatre alongside Rodrigo y Gabriela ranks among the act's biggest career highlights. A full-length debut album is currently in the works and is due to be released at the end of 2015.

Malcura will perform on the Garden Stage from 12.30pm to 1.00pm

Wombatuque

Main Stage

Wombatuque is a Samba and Choro music group based in Melbourne. It started as a group of friends playing for fun and gradually it has become more professional. The group usually plays at restaurants like Nuevo Latino Los Rodriguez, private parties and also meetings related to the Brazilian culture, such as Capoeira events.

Although Samba is one of the best known music styles from Brazil it has his roots in Africa due to the slave trade that occurred between these two countries. There are different variations of this music/dance like Partido Alto, Pagode, Bossa Nova, etc.

Wombatuque will perform on the Main Stage from 12.00pm to 12.30pm

Market Lane

Garden Stage

Melbourne-based vocal quartet that covers everything from pop to world music. The all-female a cappella group formed in early 2014 to create a unique sound with a fresh mix of percussion - both body and instrumental - and improvisation, to bring to life their arrangements and original tunes. Known for their earthy tones, experimentation with electronic manipulation and love of jazz sensibility, the eclectic group cross barriers of style and instrumentation A unique variety of instrumentation separates this vocal group from the typical 'a capella' genre. A mix of traditional African, Brazilian and inspired body percussion gives Market Lane an intricate rhythmic, as well as full harmonic sound.

Market Lane will perform on the Garden Stage from 11.45am to 12.15pm

Brittany Leo

Main Stage

Brittany Leo is an intense vocalist who is inspired by the likes of 'The Pretty Reckless’ on the one hand and 'Kelly Clarkson' on the other. Her performance style is powerful and evocative, part dangerous, part vulnerable. Her songs are about empowerment and enlightenment.

Brittany’s sound originated from a love of rock music and powerful female vocals, and is best described as modern pop rock with electronic dance influences. Brittany has a passion for all things music related. She is a singer and a trained DJ. Brittany is also a Host of the TV Music Program 1700 on Channel 31 and is the host of her own Radio show 'PlayON' on 3SER 97.7FM which showcases Australian talent.

Brittany Leo will perform on the Main Stage from 11.15am to 11.45am

Rada Tochalna

Garden Stage

Soprano RADA TOCHALNA is a graduate of The Opera Studio Melbourne.

In 2012 Rada was a semi-finalist of the Stenhammar and Montserrat Caballé International Singing Competitions. In 2014 she was the recipient of the Henkell Family Young Artist Fellowship at The Opera Studio Melbourne, and the Alice Amy McDonald Trust Travelling Fellowship.

Rada Tochalna will perform on the Garden Stage from 11.05am to 11.30am

Joe Taranto

Main Stage

Born in Melbourne Joe Taranto is one of Australia's most reputable musicians. Having started drum lessons at the age of 5 and also completing a scholarship at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, Joe Taranto is known for his polished art form of drumming with high entertainment value. Joe Taranto's career highlights include performing and directing musical performances at the 2013 5th International Martial Arts Games, hosted in Melbourne at the State Netball Hockey Centre. His incredible drumming ability has given him 3 national drumming competition wins in Australia with applicants entering from around the world. Now at the age of 26, be sure to look out for Joe Taranto as his musical career continues to unfold.

Joe Taranto will perform on the Main Stage from 10.40am to 11.00am

Nicholas Matters

Garden Stage

Nicholas Matters is an 18 year old singer, from Romsey in the Macedon Ranges Shire. He has been undergoing formal singing training since 2013 and thoroughly enjoys singing and acting.

His main genre of choice is Musical Theatre, as it is what suits his voice and in the future he hopes to be able to become a professional music theatre actor. His vocal range is described as Tenor/High Baritone and he has done various performances (both onstage and off) so he is used to performing in front of large crowds and the like.

Nicholas Matters will perform on the Garden Stage from 10.45am to 11.05am

African Drumming Melbourne

Main Stage

Established in 1997, African Drumming has become Australia’s trusted name in West African music.

We are dedicated to sharing the music and culture of West Africa in all that we do: through classes, workshops, study tours and performances which connect a wide audience with this powerful music.

African Drumming will perform on the Main Stage from 10.00am to 10.30am

Yunjia Liu

Garden Stage

With a deep love and strong passion in music, Yunjia enjoys every minute of being a classical guitarist. She came to study music in university after learning 7-years of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China, trying to pursue her dream and find her real identity as a musician. She has finished her Graduate Diploma in Music at the University of Melbourne in 2014 and has kept studying music under Tonié Field afterwards to develop her career further. Yunjia is characterized by her expressive and delicate playing, and her repertoire varies from classical music to Celtic, Finger-style, as well as Chinese and Western folk songs.

Yunjia Liu will perform on the Garden Stage from 10.15am to 10.40am

Kylie Stevenson

Master of Ceremonies

After a 10-year break from the radio industry, Kylie returned to the airwaves in September 2014 as breakfast host for 102.5 The Edge. Based in the popular Murray River tourist town of Echuca, “Kylie in the Morning” reaches into approximately 30 towns across Northern Victoria and Southern Riverina including the NSW’s towns of Deniliquin and Hay and the Victorian towns of Kerang, Kyabram and Bendigo. Kylie’s lengthy radio break didn’t mean a break from the microphone though as she remained active in event hosting roles including a two-year stint with the Victorian Water Skiing Fraternity. Kylie was thrilled when we asked her to step up on stage this Saturday to host the first ever Spring Street Beat, and is looking forward to introducing you to some of Victoria's finest young acts.

Kylie Stevenson will MC the event and appear on both stages throughout the day.